Credits: X/@LAFC

LAFC Clinches Final Club World Cup Spot With Extra-Time Victory Over Club America

LAFC will now head into Group D of the FIFA Club World Cup alongside Flamengo, Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea.

Credits: X/@LAFC

Los Angeles FC has officially booked the final seat at the FIFA Club World Cup table. LAFC capped off a dramatic night at BMO Stadium with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Club America in extra time. The win ensures that Major League Soccer will have three representatives on world football’s biggest club stage.

Former LAFC winger Brian Rodriguez looked poised to haunt his old team when he converted a 64th-minute penalty for Club America. The call came after a VAR review confirmed a foul by Mark Delgado on Erick Sanchez, a decision that shifted the match’s tempo. With a potential $10 million prize and a spot in a historic 32-team tournament on the line, America seemed destined to hold on.

Denis Bouanga Leads LAFC’s Fightback

But LAFC had other plans. In the 89th minute, Igor Jesus rose to the occasion as he headed in a perfectly delivered corner from Denis Bouanga. The equalizer breathed new life into the home side and forced the game into extra time.

Fifteen minutes away from a potential penalty shootout, Bouanga took center stage again. The Gabon international weaved his way into the box and fired a shot that deflected off a defender and past the America goalkeeper. The 115th-minute goal completed a stunning turnaround and sealed LAFC’s path to the FIFA Club World Cup. With Hugo Lloris anchoring the back and Bouanga leading the attack, LAFC displayed grit and determination throughout the match.

A recap of tonight’s match 🤩

Catch @LAFC at the @fifaclubworldcup | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC | #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/d6xFuSoG3I
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 1, 2025

LAFC had suffered heartbreak against Mexican opposition in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup final, falling to Leon. Ironically, Leon’s disqualification from the Club World Cup (due to ownership rule violations) paved the way for this last-chance playoff. Now, LAFC will now head into Group D of the FIFA Club World Cup alongside Brazil’s Flamengo, Tunisian club Esperance de Tunis and Premier League side Chelsea.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

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Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.